Riding a postseason hot streak, infused with confidence, eager for revenge against the same league opponent that had beaten them twice this season, members of the Oaks Christian School boys' soccer team charged into the semifinals Tuesday afternoon.

Then the first 11 minutes happened.

In that short span, all the good feelings evaporated. Tri-Valley League rival Carpinteria tallied three goals in the first 11 minutes and powered into the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 final with a 4-1 victory over host Oaks Christian.

"They killed us with the start to the game," said Lions senior Diego Calix. "We were confident. I thought we were ready to go. But it just seemed like they wanted it more than we did."

The Warriors' precision passing game proved decisive in the opening minutes.

Edwin Elizarraras whipped a shot into the right corner of the net just three minutes into the game. Mohammed Mehai scored on a header six minutes later.

Then leading scorer Erik Rojas had a 1-on-1 opportunity against goalie Christian Campat at the 11-minute mark and tallied the goal by lofting his shot over the keeper's head.

Rojas would score his second goal of the afternoon — and 27th of the season — midway through the second half for a 4-0 lead.

Oaks Christian's lone goal came in the final minute on a score by Gabe Jefferson.

Oaks Christian, seeking its first trip to the finals since its championship season in 2008, finished its storybook run at 13-7-1.

Carpinteria, in quest of its first CIF-SS championship since 1999, improved to 20-3-3.

Oaks Christian tied for third in the Tri-Valley League, got into the playoffs as a wild-card entry, then reeled off four consecutive wins.

The Lions had dropped two league games to the Warriors this season, but the last defeat was at 1-0 with the goal coming in extra time. Thus, there was reason for optimism in Oaks Christian's pre-game huddle.

Instead, what followed was a stunning start.

"It was a tough way to open the game," said Oaks Christian coach Greg Dmitrowich. "The funny thing was, we actually outshot them in that stretch. But the ball seemed to bounce their way, and they took advantage.

"It's so tough to dig your way out of a hole like that against really good teams, and they (the Warriors) are an amazing team."

He added: "We haven't given up three goals in a game all season. Today, we gave up three goals in the first 11 minutes."

Actually, the Lions had yielded three goals just once before this season. Yes, it came against Carpinteria in a 3-0 loss on Jan. 10.

Carpinteria coach Daniel Torres appreciated the start.

"It couldn't have gone better for us," he said. "It's really tough to beat a team three times in one season, especially a team that's playing at home. But our guys were focused today, really, like they've been focused all season.

"I'm sure they get tired of me saying that — focus, focus, focus — but that's what they did today. They responded well to the challenge."